Fashion

These Backpacks Are Incredibly Grown Up

by Sara Tan

For some of you, school is right around the corner and there's nothing more essential to kicking off the year than finding the perfect backpack. After all, you use it almost everyday to hold some of your most prized possessions. It's crucial you find one that you can rely on (read: sturdy), but also one that suits your style (and matches most of your ensembles, too!). And because the days of high school are long gone (some wayyyy longer than others), I think it's about time you upgrade to something a little more "grown-up." Don't get me wrong, nothing's bad about your beloved Jansport — I just think it's time to graduate to something a little more sleek and refined. Who knows where your post-class plans will take you? You always want to look your best, and there's nothing that can ruin an outfit quite like a dingy old rumpsack.

Thankfully, finding a trendy backpack is especially easy these days, thanks to the style's resurgence in popularity, even for those of us who've long since graduated. Nearly every handbag maker has one in their collection, from Marc Jacobs to Tory Burch. Check out these 11 chic "grown-up" backpacks that are a far cry from what you used to tote around in high school. There's no way you won't have a successful year with these sweet bags by your side, er, on your back!

1. White Faux Leather Backpack

French Connection 'Prim Lady' Faux Leather Backpack, $88, nordstrom.com

2. Striped Backpack

Tory Burch Viva Backpack, $395, shopbop.com

3. Leopard Backpack

Jerome Dreyfuss Leopard Printed Canvas Backpack, $460, luisviaroma.com

4. Faux Crocodile Backpack

French Connection Buckle Up Rucksack Backpack, $68.60, amazon.com

5. All Black Leather

Sunday Somewhere Bedouin Leather Backpack, $230, otteny.com

6. Retro Schoolbag

Tinksky Vintage Student Backpack (Blue), $49.98, amazon.com

7. Floral Printed Backpack

Marc by Marc Jacobs Domo Arigoto floral-print twill backpack, $200, netaporter.com

8. Canvas Backpack

Herschel Supply 'Post' Backpack, $65, nordstrom.com

9. Fringe Backpack

Rochelle Backpack, $190, freepeople.com

10. Denim Backpack

Zip Front Denim Backpack, $64, topshop.com

11. "Lots O' Pockets" Backpack

Brown Backpack, $29.99, target.com